Renewing 7 commitments to congressional constituents

When I first ran for Congress just two short years ago, it was made abundantly clear to me that people want a representative who is the same in Wisconsin as they are in Washington; someone who will bring our common sense Wisconsin values to a place that desperately needs it.

And that’s why, I pledged to be the most open and accessible representative Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District has ever had, releasing my “7 Commitments to the 7th District,” which focused on transparency and accessibility.

I’m proud to say that I’ve kept all seven of those promises — holding more than 50 town halls and public events, and getting to know thousands more of you at weekend parades, festivals and fairs.

In Washington, I’ve fought tirelessly for you and for transparency and openness in government. I wrote the RESTRICT Act, which bans the practice of Congressional Insider Trading. Many of those ideas are contained in the recently passed STOCK Act, which holds members of Congress accountable for trades they make with insider information.

I’m also proud to have introduced a resolution banning earmarks in Congress, a practice that became the symbol of Washington corruption and wasteful spending.

This district is the largest district in Wisconsin and one of the largest, geographically, east of the Mississippi River, so traveling to one of my offices isn’t always convenient. That’s why I also introduced a mobile constituent office that comes to your town, so you can speak in person with me, or one of my dedicated staff members about your concerns, and receive important veterans, Medicare or Social Security services.

Heading into this election, I’m renewing my “7 Commitments to the 7th District” because it has made me a better Congressman. Whether it’s a meeting at my office, a question at a town hall event, or a conversation over coffee at a dairy breakfast, listening to you is the most important part of the job as your representative.

Since I was elected, the 7th District has expanded and I’ve increased my town hall meetings pledge from 20 to 26 per year — one for each county or partial county I will represent.

As your representative I again pledge to:

1. Commute to D.C. and live and raise my family right here in the 7th District.

2. Hold a minimum of 26 in-district town hall meetings, one per county, for every year of my two-year term.

3. Continue fighting for transparency and posting bills online for 72 hours before Congress votes so constituents have time to read and review bills.

4. Support legislation establishing term limits for Congress.

5. Serve Wisconsin’s interests, not special interests.

6. Continue to maintain accessible, open offices in the district and in Washington D.C.

7. Ensure that any legislation that applies to citizens applies to me as your congressman.

The people of northern and central Wisconsin work hard and they deserve a congressman who does the same.

I pledge to the 7th District that I’ll never forget why you sent me here or the values we share.

Sean Duffy, a former Ashland County District Attorney, is a Republican who has served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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